Understanding the broad substrate repertoire of nitroreductase based on its kinetic mechanism

Background: Nitroreductase reduces a broad range of nitroaromatics. Results: Steady-state and pre-steady-state kinetics were combined with tests for aminoaromatic product formation. Conclusion: Both half-reactions occur via a simple mechanism lacking detectable gating steps consistent with the broad substrate repertoire. Significance: Nitroreductase does not generate p-aminobenzoic acid and, therefore, appears not to reduce nitro groups to amines.